Kangaroo Island

Part One – Getting There

Even though there are multiple runs through the day, spaces are surprisingly limited on the ferry. We booked three weeks in advance, but there was only one slot available on the date we wanted to travel, (March 10) and that was at 0600. For those of you who don’t speak 24hour clock…that’s bloody early!

We travelled to Cape Jervis the day before and camped there, near the lighthouse, which was just a short drive to the ferry terminal.

After an early night we were woken by our alarm at 0430. I’d like to say we got up bright and early, but that would be a lie. We had to be at the terminal by 0515 but we still made time to have our coffee, and to make our “coffee to go”.  After stowing a few things away on the van, we found ourselves in the queue with time to spare. Needless to say, we were both excited about the crossing.

Once there, the crew were super-efficient in getting us all on the ferry. Small vehicles drove straight in on the lefthand side, around the back of the parking area, then up the righthand side until full, while the larger rigs, like us, had to reverse down the middle two lanes. Peter did an excellent job, and within minutes of the last vehicle being loaded, we were on our way.

Once on board we bought a couple of cheese and ham toasties, drank our “coffee to go” and settled down for the ride. Although it wasn’t rough, we could feel the gentle swell under our feet and had to steady ourselves when standing.  As we neared the island, the sun began to rise, and we got our first glimpse of KI and Penneshaw on the Dudley Peninsula. The crew were even more efficient in getting us off the ferry and inside of ten minutes, the ferry was empty and taking on new passengers.

Our first camp spot was Browns Beach. This is a council run camp area with a Pay Station, much like those used in the city to pay for parking. Basic facilities, toilet, and camp kitchen, and only a minutes’ stroll to the beach. The left of the beach was a mixture of rock and sand, the right was an unusual volcanic rock formation. We stayed there for a couple of nights and took the time to do a bit of exploring, checking out Baudin Beach, Pennington Bay, American Beach, and Lashmar Conservation Park.

We also enjoyed a lovely sunset on the beach with our favourite red and a cheese platter

On the North side of the Dudley Peninsula, American Beach was a lovely long stretch of beach. While walking we noted some strange lines in the sand. It took us a while to figure out what they were, and Hugo did a bit of shell shopping. On the other hand, Pennington Bay, on the south side, was far more rugged and great to explore on a blustery day.

We also did a trip out to Cape Willoughby, and apart from the fact that I lost my only spare camera battery there, this is my favourite spot to date. On the drive out there we had our first wildlife encounter, something I would never have guessed…Wild Turkeys.

Our next stop was American River, another council camp area, right on the riverbank. Our neighbours, twenty metres away were a permanent colony of swans – literally hundreds of them, but don’t worry – Peter told me I could only post five swan photos. (But you know I never do as I’m told).😊

While at American River we visited Kingscote, the main town on the island, but we forgot it was Saturday and everything was closed when we got there. So we headed on to the Bay of shoals and had a lovely picnic by the water.

Rather than continuing along the north of the island, we decided to go Southwest and work around clockwise; our next stop, Vivonne Bay.

See you out there somewhere

On tow and on the go!